Happy Trails

The authentic western way of life is still alive in Alberta. Waterton is the southernmost community along Hwy 22, affectionately known as The Cowboy Trail. If you are heading north, drive this scenic route along the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies and be sure to stop at the Bar U Ranch, a National Historic Site operated by Parks Canada. For more about what you can see and do along this incredible 700 km journey, be sure to pick up a copy of Experience Western Adventures and Cowboy Trails.

Canada’s Mormon Trail is a 2-4 hour self-guided driving tour in Alberta near the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. Located just 45 minutes east of Waterton, along Hwy 5, the town of Cardston is the westernmost community on this trail. Here you will find the Remington Carriage Museum which features more than 250 horsedrawn vehicles. Three other communities belong to the Mormon Trail, namely: Magrath, Raymond and Stirling. Historically, 2 of the 4 towns host Alberta’s Chautauqua a festival of local history with lively entertainment and tons of wholesome family fun.

The North-West Mounted Police (NWMP) was the forerunner of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). You probably recognize the scarlet tunic and blue trousers of this, Canada’s iconic federal police force.

Established in 1873, the NWMP was modelled after the Royal Irish Constabulary. Reports stressed the symbolic importance of the traditional British army uniform among First Nations. The NWMP ended the whiskey trade on the southern prairies and the violence that came with it.

The Fort Museum is located 75 minutes northeast of Waterton, in Fort MacLeod. The museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the NWMP and First Nations People. It started its world famous Musical Ride in 1973. For up-to-date times in 2023 visit nwmpmuseum.com.

• nwmpmuseum.com 403-553-4703 info@nwmpmuseum.com

Waterton’s Historic Boats

M.V. International

Built on Waterton Lake in 1927, the 165-passenger

Historic M.V. International shuttles passengers across the liquid border shimmering between Goat Haunt, Montana and Emerald Bay in Waterton Park, Alberta. Once upon a time, during the days of Alberta’s so-called Blue-Laws, the vessel was used as a boat of festivities, so that people could step aboard to enjoy music, dance and drink in Montana (outside of Alberta’s jurisdiction.)

The International is part of the fleet, manned by the family, owned-and-operated by the Waterton Shoreline Cruise Company. It is the oldest operating passenger vessel in Canada. The International is a wooden ship of cedar and fir planking on oak frames and is continuously being maintained using traditional shipbuilding techniques.

Waterton’s Wreck: The Gertrude

Below the depths of Emerald Bay lies the steam paddle wheeler, “Gertrude”. Built in 1907 on Maskinonge Lake in Waterton, she was originally used as a work boat for a nearby sawmill, but eventually transitioned into a tea room and restaurant moored in Emerald Bay. In 1918, Gertrude was deliberately scuttled in the bay and is now a popular destination for scuba diving enthusiasts with a penchant for history.

Historical Photos can be found at: cardstonhistoricalsociety.org/waterton_park